Fairly recently I joined Sigma Sigma Sigma, one of the sororities on campus. As a freshman last year, I wouldn’t have really pictured myself as the sorority “type.” I hardly knew anything about Greek life at all.
As the year went on, I started meeting more and more people involved in Greek life. I went to several events hosted by Greek organizations, such as Mud Tug and Sign Idol. This past summer I really started looking into what Greek Life was all about. I registered for formal recruitment in the fall of this year. Although I couldn’t finish all of the process I was still able to learn a lot more about each of the sororities on campus.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the recruitment process and I was slightly surprised at first. Everyone I met was super nice and really down to earth. A couple weeks after formal recruitment, I heard from one of the girls from Sigma Sigma Sigma. She was wondering if I was still interested in Greek life. I was, so we planned a time to get together so I could ask some questions. When I met with her I was really surprised that several sisters showed up to meet me too. We all started talking and had a really laid back conversation ranging from school to horror movies.
A few days later I received a bid from them to join Tri Sigma. A bid is an official invitation to join a Greek organization. You then have 24 hours to accept or decline the bid. I was kinda shocked. I had just met some of these girls, and now I had to choose. Since I enjoyed my initial meetings with these sisters and other Greeks, I decided to accept the bid.
For the next couple of days, I was still adjusting to my decision. I had just joined a sorority. Like what? I’m now just about to finish my new member process. It’s been really exciting, and very low pressure. I have met a lot of really amazing people. I can’t wait to become a sister.
At RIT, Greek life makes up about 10% of the campus (5% social and 5% academic/professional/service). I didn’t feel pushed into choosing Greek life, and I’m surprised at how much I’m already enjoying my decision. For me, the reasons I became interested in Greek Life were: community service opportunities, leadership experience, and it’s a great way to meet new people. One of the things that makes Tri Sigma unique is that we have hearing and non-hearing sisters. So I am slowly building my signing skills.